My 5 and 8 year old nephews (and their parents) are travelling from Western
Colorado to spend Christmas with us. As my own kids are just infants, I'm not up on
how to celebrate Christmas with kids in the Bay Area -- I am especially looking for
experiences/activities that are unique to the Bay Area, and would be special for kids
who are used to a snowy, rural Christmas. They are also very interested in other
cultural celebrations like Kwanzaa.
So far,we're planning on seeing the Nutcracker, and I was thinking of taking them to
that highly-decorated street in Alameda. Any other recommendations?
Thanks!
Suzy

They might get a kick out of ice-skating at the outdoor rink at
Embarcadero Center - although maybe since they're from a snowy
place skating outdoors is no big thrill. It's a pretty setting,
though, and definitely not rural.
Jeni
I have 3 sons, ages 5,9, and 12 so I can tell you lots of
places:

Try either of two model train places where hobbyists have
model trains set up and do special shows for the holidays. They both have web sites - do a search on Golden Gate
Model Railroad (in Richmond) and Walnut Creek Model
Railroad (in Walnut Creek.) The latter is near the Lindsay
Wildlife Museum and a large park. The Lindsay is great -
they rescue injured animals and chidren can see them quite
close up. Fabulous birds - eagle, falcons, etc.

Army Corp of Engineers Bay Model in Sausolito - a truly only
in SF. This is a scale working model of the bay where
engineers study the tides. It is open to the public and has
lots of great environmental exhibits.

SFZoo - One of my children's absolute favorites.

Walk the Golden Gate Bridge - we usually go half way and
turn around as it is a long walk.

Berkeley Adventure Play Park - at the foot of university. This
is a park run by the city where for the price of picking up
some nails or wood scraps kids can get a hammer, a paint
brush or other tools and work on the on-going projects in
the park. Any other city would cringe at the potential liability
issues but kids love it and get to do hands-on work with
tools making play structures. They also have a great zip line
for those tall enough.

Walk the Filbert Street steeps - preceded or followed by a
meal at Il Fornaio, which is at the bottom, near Levi Plaza. At
the top of the steps, head up to Coit Tower for a great view of
the bay and the wonderful murals inside.

We have some friends who are visiting in June with two children
aged 5 and 6. Are there any festivals? They love outdoor activities.
What are some things to do? Thanks!
Julie
Try the children's museums that are in the area: Bay Area Discovery Museum,
Habitot, Lawrence Hall of Science... The Exploratorium might be a bit too old,
but you could try it. Also, if you're willing to travel, you could go to the
Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose.
Have fun! Lauren
Can try Crab Cove in Alameda, Airplane Museum by the
Oakland Airport, Hornet aircraft carrier, Golden Gate
park playground in SF, Cordonices park in Berkeley,
Tilden park pony & carousel rides&feeding farm
animals (bring lettuce) & taking hike around Jewel
Lake&swimming in Lake Anza & steam trains at Tilden,
Lake Temescal, Oakland zoo (my kids like the rides
best), SF zoo, hiking at Pt. Lobos in SF, hiking at
Strawberry Canyon or other parks, Adventure playground
at the Berkeley Marina, Montclair park, pools
Strawberry Canyon, Roberts, Dimond.
Ronnie